Author - The Durango Herald

For our plant world, sound of alarm bells grows louder

It’s that time again. I am starting to despise this process – writing an article to change the weather. I typically disapprove of messing with Mother Nature, but when push comes to shove, I ...

DATE: Feb 18, 2015 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Shooting-sports competitor sets sights on national contest

The Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Program trains members in the responsible and ethical use of archery and firearms. Here in La Plata County, our 4-H shooting program has grown tremendously i...

DATE: Feb 11, 2015 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Food-safety awareness crucial for producers and consumers

Not only will we have produce this summer from local farms, more local producers will be selling baked goods, jams, jellies, tea mixes, spice rubs and flavored honeys. I am refe...

DATE: Feb 4, 2015 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Young farmers plant seeds for success in our region

Way back when – perhaps the late 1990s – I wanted to be a farmer. I was close to getting mybachelor of science degree at Montana State University and was taking those “fluff” cla...

DATE: Jan 27, 2015 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Steampunk Wipeout will test kids’ obstacle-course skills

In anticipation of Steampunk Snowdown 2015, La Plata County 4-H is teaming with great local sponsors to put on a fun event for families. Celebrating Healthy Communities, Durango...

DATE: Jan 21, 2015 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Radon: Winter best time to test your home for this silent killer

Radon – a gas second only to cigarette smoke in its ability to cause lung cancer – can’t be seen, smelled or tasted. This gas kills about 500 Coloradans annually. It is a Class A...

DATE: Jan 14, 2015 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Build cold frame to grow vegetables during winter

In the middle of winter, the selection of “fresh” vegetables can be quite meager. Sure, the produce on the store’s shelves could be considered fresh, but it’s highly unlikely it w...

DATE: Jan 7, 2015 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

4-H volunteer leaders provide invaluable support to program

Happy New Year! I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. It is always exciting to embrace a new year and the possibilities of new opportunities on the horizon. Personally, ...

DATE: Dec 31, 2014 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

You can celebrate holidays without eating too much

By now, you are probably quite busy with community or family gatherings. The dinner is cooking (or you already have plans for eating out), and Christmas wrapping and gifts are scattered all ...

DATE: Dec 24, 2014 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

This parasitic plant gives us reason to pucker up at holidays

Traditions. Many of our families have them. You may remember my last column talked about the “new” Parmenter tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving somewhere in the desert – dinner by lantern...

DATE: Dec 17, 2014 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

4-H’er starts fundraising campaign for 6-year-old suffering from cancer

La Plata County 4-H is a partner of the Celebrating Healthy Communities coalition, which collaborates with organizations to provide education and awareness to community members. ...

DATE: Dec 10, 2014 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Protect personal information when holiday shopping online

’Tis the season! Whew, we have made it past Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but there still are 20 shopping days left. This season also is a busy time for theft. According to the ...

DATE: Dec 3, 2014 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office